Show Dogs ruining gene pool ugly side of dog breeding

Purebred dogs were bred from a narrow set of ancestors, and an idea developed that this somehow made them superior in both appearance and in general goodness. Englishman Francis Galton used the term eugenics to refer to his ideas for applying domestic animal breeding techniques to humans, to produce a 'pure' and 'good' elite; the idea became an intellectual fad,

Inbreeding causes deformities and suffering for pedigree dogsPurebred dogs are being ‘bred to death’ for desirable traits, according to BBC documentary ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’.

s with all pure bred dogs, Cavaliers are not without their health concerns. It is fair to note that all genetics, good and bad, were compounded when the breed was re-created in 1927, at which time 6 foundation dogs became the groundwork from which all purebred Cavaliers today can be traced. This fact alone emphasizes how small the gene pool is for the breed. Some problems in the breed are of more proportionate concern than others,

History of the Cavalier King Charles SpanielThe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is closely related to and descended from the King Charles Spaniel, and historically, was selectively bred to have a longer face and less rounded skull than the original King Charles Spaniels. The breed almost died out entirely during World War Two, as living conditions became harsher and fewer people could afford the luxury of keeping a companion animal.Just six foundation dogs formed the basis of the breed as we know it today, but successful breeding programmes have once again ensured that the Cavvie is now a common sight within the UK.